NEW YORK, NY – Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Informational Systems has picked up a new addition for this fall semester: a Game Development major.
Being offered on both the New York City and Pleasantville campuses, the STEM-designated program combines computer science, artistic direction, and industry practice, intending to build students’ portfolios before graduation.
“Creating a major is a major thing,” said Dr. Carmine Guida, Director of the Game Development major and Assistant Professor at Seidenberg.
Guida explained the extensive timeline of the Game Development major.
Guida first needed to demonstrate to the University that a student could complete the major/credit requirements in 4 years. It first went through the Department of Computer Science committee, which each department (English, math, etc.) holds a large role in acquiring new courses, majors, or changing prerequisites. Once approved, the program went through the approval process for the Seidenberg School.
To be offered at both campuses, the NYC Faculty Council and Pleasantville Faculty Council Committees had to approve the major, to go to the
Faculty Council Curriculum Committee, to the Deans of each school at their monthly meetings, and finally, to the State of New York.
The State of New York approved the program in the summer of 2022, and since then it has been coming to frution at the University.
This process proved to be worthwhile. In its first semester, the new major has 10 students between both campuses; 6 in Pleasantville and 4 in New York City. As a minor, Game Design has 8 students.
“It’s usually two-thirds in New York and one-third in Pleasantville [for Computer Science],” Guida said when asked about enrollment. “It’s small numbers so I want to make sure I support the people there.”, Dr. Guida said.
Although other studies at Pace have curriculum differences between the two campuses, Guida intends for both campuses to have the same
courses and be taught in the same way, acquiring 2-3 adjunct professors to assist in time for the Spring 2025 semester.
“I called the major Game Development rather than Game Design because the courses focus more on coding and the algorithms that are needed;
how to really program and build.”
Computer science and game development courses are the core of the curriculum. Students can take courses such as Mobile Game Development
and Publishing, AR/VR and the Metaverse, and Game Engine Architecture.
CIS 151, Game Development for Everyone, is a popular AOK (Area of Knowledge) course that has existed for years and draws students
from all majors. The program eaves room for electives in Digital Media, Writing, Math, or Film Studies for students to round out their experience.
“My idea with this major is that it is very project-based. I don’t have exams, everything is projects, everything is making stuff.”
The Capstone course is a semester-long development project that requires students to work in groups, similar to a real game development team, to make a polished game. Students will end the program with a solid portfolio of concepts, skills, and knowledge of the gaming industry.
“With these classes, these students surprise me. They get so into it and produce something genuinely fun.” Dr. Guida said.